How to Open Your Pool After The Winter

What Will You Need?

• Cal-Hypo/Power Powder is recommended
• Pool Brush
• Pool Skimmer
• Test Kit
• pH Increaser or pH Reducer/Soda Ash or Dry Acid
• Alkalinity Increaser or Decreaser
• Calcium Hardness
• Pool and Spa Lube

Step 1. Take off the Winter or Safety Cover

• Make sure the cover is dry before storing to prevent mildew.
• Remove any winter plugs, gizmos, ice compensators, etc. that are around the pool.

Step 3. Pool Equipment

• Remove any winterizing products from the pool equipment.
• Put on any drain plugs pressure gauges, etc. that were removed during winterization.
• Open any valves that were closed by switching the handle to open.
• Switch the valve back to “filter”.
• Check the o-ring on teh pump basket lid by taking it off and looking for cracks. Replace if it feels brittle.
• Put a pool and spa lube on the o-ring before putting it back on to create a tight seal.

Step 4. Circulation

• Start by using a brush to remove any debris from the pool walls, steps, and floor.
• Use a Skimmer to pick up any large debris floating in the water.
• Run the pool pump for 12-24 hours to filter out any debris. Make sure the filter is clean so it’s able to remove debris.

Step 5. Testing

• Test your chemical levels with a test kit or strips. Alkalinity, pH and calcium hardness levels are going to be the most important when opening your pool.
• pH levels should be 7.4 to 7.6, total alkalinity 80 to 120 ppm, and calcium hardness 250-350 ppm.
• Once done, triple the dosage for Cal-Hypo, super-chlorinating the pool and giving it the jump start it needs. Retest levels after 4 hours.

Step 6. Adding Chemicals

Adjust the Total Alkalinity

• Use Alkalinity Increaser or Alkalinity Up to raise levels.
• Use Alkalinity Decreaser or dry/ muriatic acid to lower levels
• Retest levels after about 4 hours.

Adjust the pH

• Use pH Increaser or Soda Ash to Increase pH levels.
• Use pH Decreaser or dry/muriatic acid to lower pH levels.
• Retest levels after about 4 hours.

Adjust the calcium hardness

• Use Hardness Plus or Calcium Hardness to increase calcium hardness levels.
• Lower calcium hardness levels if needed by partially draining pool.

Step 7. Superchlorination

• Apply three times the normal chlorine dosage to your pool. Best to be applied at night to avoid UV rays
• Run the pool pump for 12 hours following superchlorination

If you have any questions please feel free to ask The Blue Lagoons